Kuwait shocked many by taking the lead before Egypt snatched a late penalty to earn a 1-1 draw in their FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Group C encounter at Lusail Stadium in Doha on Tuesday. The result leaves both teams with a point from their opening Group C match as the tournament gets under way.
A nervy start, a disciplined Kuwait and rising Egyptian pressure
From the first whistle the game looked like it would be one-sided on paper: Egypt had more possession and territory, pressing high and probing for openings. Kuwait, however, set up with compact lines and clear defensive duties, showing a level of organisation that frustrated the Pharaohs for long periods. Egypt carved out chances but lacked the clinical finish needed to convert dominance into a lead.
Kuwait’s plan was simple and effective: sit deep when required, close down passing channels in midfield and use set-pieces and quick transitions as their best opportunity to score. The Gulf side’s resilience paid off midway through the second half.
Al-Hajeri’s towering header puts Kuwait ahead
The game’s turning moment came from a corner: Mohammad Daham’s delivery found the head of Kuwait defender Al-Hajeri, who rose above the Egyptian defence to power a header into the net and give Kuwait a shock 1–0 lead. The goal sent the Kuwaiti supporters into ecstasy and forced Egypt to lift their tempo as time began to run out.
Kuwait’s coach will rightly praise the set-piece routine and the players’ execution. For Egypt it was a reminder that lapses on dead-ball situations would be punished, even against a technically superior opponent.
Egypt push for answers as the clock runs down
After conceding, Egypt intensified their attacking play. They brought on fresh legs from the bench and poured numbers forward in search of an equaliser. The Pharaohs enjoyed long spells of pressure, peppering the Kuwaiti box with crosses and shots, but the final touch often eluded them. Kuwait, at times reduced to defending in numbers, absorbed the pressure and looked to hit on counters.
As the match moved into the final ten minutes, it felt increasingly likely that Egypt’s quality would tell but Kuwait’s discipline and belief kept the visitors’ advantage intact up to the final phase.
Drama late: Afsha’s penalty rescues Egypt
The moment of drama arrived late when Egypt were awarded a penalty. Substitute Mohamed Magdy Afsha stepped up and converted from the spot, powering the ball past the goalkeeper and handing Egypt a 1–1 lifeline just when it seemed defeat might loom. The goal was a mix of composure and timing a deserved reward for Egypt’s persistent pressure.
Afsha’s late intervention changed the tenor of the result: from a potential upset for Kuwait to a shared point that keeps Egypt’s tournament hopes alive. For Kuwait, the disappointment of conceding so late was obvious, but the team can be proud of the fight and the point earned against a historical regional heavyweight.
What this result means for both teams in Group C
Group-stage football rewards points, and in a packed group like this one featuring Egypt, Jordan, the UAE and Kuwait— every single point matters. Egypt will reflect on missed chances and the vulnerability from set-pieces, while Kuwait will take confidence from their organisation and the fact they gained a positive opening-day result against a fancied opponent.
Both teams now turn their focus to the next fixture. For Egypt, the message will be clear: convert dominance into goals earlier and avoid unnecessary late drama. For Kuwait the task is to build on this resilient showing and aim for more points in their upcoming matches.
Players to watch and tactical takeaways
Kuwait’s set-piece execution and defensive organisation were the defining features of their day. Al-Hajeri’s aerial threat from corners should be noted by other teams in the group. Mohammad Daham’s delivery and movement also played a key role in creating the goal and keeping Egypt anxious on the back foot.
Egypt, despite dominating possession, will look to sharpen their finishing and decision-making in the final third. The introduction of Afsha proved decisive; coaches often prize such bench impact in tournament football. Egypt’s manager may also reassess defensive marking on set-pieces after conceding from a corner.
Fan atmosphere, stadium and tournament context
Lusail Stadium in Doha provided a fitting stage for the match a modern arena that has hosted many high-profile fixtures in recent years. The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 is being staged across Qatar’s top venues, and the opening matches have already underlined the unpredictable nature of tournament football where smaller sides can make life difficult for the traditional powers.
For fans, the match offered a blend of tactical football, drama and late excitement everything that makes football compelling and why group-stage matches can never be taken for granted.
Quotes and reactions (summary)
Coaches and players on both sides praised the intensity and competitive spirit. Kuwait’s staff highlighted their team’s discipline and ability to execute a plan, while Egypt’s camp emphasised resilience and the importance of taking positives from an equaliser secured under pressure. Media outlets described the game as one where Kuwait “held” Egypt and where the Pharaohs had to salvage a point.
Looking ahead: key fixtures and what to expect
With the Group C schedule still long, both Egypt and Kuwait have time to regroup. Egypt will target their next matches to secure maximum points and address finishing shortcomings. Kuwait will aim to ride the momentum from a strong defensive display and look for opportunities to pick up more results, especially by sticking to disciplined game plans that exploit set-piece moments.
Tournament football in a compact schedule rewards swift learning and quick tactical tweaks. Both teams will analyse this match closely and hope to come back stronger in their next outings.
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